BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) — “I sent out a mass email yesterday and I’ve also been putting posts on Facebook and Instagram and letting people know that's going to be available,” explained Laura Scalfani, owner, Carousel, Williamsviile.
Retailers big and small are restarting business as Phase One allows retailers to conduct curbside pickup.
7 Eyewitness News senior reporter Eileen Buckley found out how they are navigating the challenges of this pandemic for our “Rebound Buffalo”.
At the Carousel on Main Street in Williamsville, the store is known as "shop with cottage charm."
But for now, customers will have to enjoy the charm from the outside with curbside pickup only.
“I’ve been consistently wiping down counter-tops, door knobs, frequently touched items and I’ve always had the hand sanitizer at the front counter for customers to use,” Scalfani noted.
Scalfani's shop is filled with farmhouse decor, vintage items and consignment clothing for women.
Scalfani is taking orders for her items and following the state's suggested template for keeping customers safe.
“If somebody wanted something and they wanted to pick it up in the parking lot, basically I can take the credit information right over the phone, so they don't have to worry about any of that,” Scalfani remarked.
The shop owner says she's also sanitizing her store area and her hands.
“And when I take stuff out to people, just so they're confident I luckily have a box of the latex gloves that I use,” said Scalfani.
Curbside pickup is also underway for bigger retailers, like Alden Pools and Play in Alden.
“It’s been crazy — we've actually been doing really well and our customers have fully supported us,” responded Joshua Hirtzel, co-owner.
Hirtzel said he's also set up a business plan directed by New York State and following protocols to keep customers and employees safe.
“All of our employees are screened. They all wear facemasks. Customers also have too and we're just following all those guidelines,” Hirtzel said.
Employees answer short questions and have their temperatures checked. The reopen, under Phase One, for this pool company means 14 employees are back to work in the store and in the field installing pools, play sets and spas as we head into the Memorial Day Weekend.
“And of course with construction phase one, now we can install pools and play sets,” Hirtzel said. “This is always our biggest weekend of the entire year so it's the perfect time.”
The pool store also has a drive through showroom for customers.
When the state gives the green light for the next phase, allowing customers inside, Hirtzel says the pool center will be ready.
“Our store is already being marked. We’ve already had glass barriers put up, even though we can’t let anyone in yet,” said Hirtzel.
